Thousands of baby gates recalled

Monica Beyer is a mom of four and has been writing professionally since 2000, when her first book, Baby Talk, was published. Her main area of interest is attachment parenting and all that goes with it, including breastfeeding, co-sleepin...

Product description: These recalled IKEA safety gates are white and are made of steel and plastic. They measure around 29 inches high and have an adjustable width from about 29 inches to 34 inches. There is a permanent label attached to the metal bar at the bottom of the safety gate containing an article number.

Gates with these article numbers are included in this recall:

302-265-21

500-375-67

501-919-50

655-517-10

700-989-65

901-136-01

Where/when they were sold: These recalled IKEA safety gates were sold at IKEA stores nationwide and online at www.ikea-usa.com from Aug. 1995 through Feb. 2015 for about $35.

Reason for the recall: There isn't sufficient friction between the wall and the pressure-mounted safety gate, which poses a fall hazard. Also, the lower metal bar on the gate can be a tripping hazard. There have been 18 reports of the gate failing, three of which resulted in an injury from a child falling down stairs. No injuries have been reported within the U.S.

What you need to do: Stop using these safety gates immediately and return them to any IKEA store for a full refund. If you have any Patrull Klämma/Smidig gate extensions, they can also be returned for a full refund.

Company information: You can contact IKEA toll-free at (888) 966-4532 anytime. You can also find out more information online at www.ikea-usa.com — click on the recall link at the top of the page for more information.